As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Elementary School Principal in the United States is $105,261 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, an Elementary School Principal's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Elementary School Principal's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Elementary School Principals. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 21.43% |
| Spring | 1.3% |
| Client Relationship | 0.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Development
|
$118,945 |
13%
|
|
Agile
|
$118,945 |
13%
|
|
Client Relationship
|
$117,892 |
12%
|
|
Project Management
|
$116,840 |
11%
|
|
Consulting
|
$115,787 |
10%
|
|
Alignment
|
$114,734 |
9%
|
For Elementary School Principal roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Elementary School Principal positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Elementary School Principal as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | $110,524 | $53.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Elementary School Principals enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Elementary School Principal with a Bachelor's Degree is between $113,970 and $121,828).
Elementary School Principal Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.1% |
| High School | 2.1% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 10.5% |
| Masters | 66.1% |
| Doctorate | 20.5% |
Understanding how an Elementary School Principal's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Elementary School Principal can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $83,762 in 2023 to around $84,291 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Elementary School Principal salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,762 |
| 2024 | $84,691 |
| 2025 | $84,291 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Education industry offers the highest average compensation for Elementary School Principal roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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